Sherman had remembered back when he was five. He became fascinated with the concept of time travel- read every book, saw every movie. There were theories about it that his experience had proved false, such as:
Time travel is impossible.
If time travel were possible, it would be impossible to alter the timeline in any way.
Traveling to the past is impossible.
Time travel would result in the end of the world.
And etcetera, but now he pondered about one of the more popular theories: time travel is far too dangerous for man to have. Man had always felt the need to control their environments. Now, man controlled time and man controlled space. What was left to conquer?
As he setup the controls for his journey back home, part of him thought, "Control over Penny Peterson," which, he admitted, would be nice. Like, right now, for instance. He now had to go back to Mr. Peabody's dinner. Alone. And explain how he had broken the most important rules his father had given him, and try to convince him to go on a rescue mission for a girl that could care less about if Sherman lived or died. Even so, he remained equal parts optimistic and realistic. People fear what they don't understand. Maybe Penny just didn't...couldn't understand yet, and later...
No, she just hated him.
When he arrived, back he was supposed to be, he could tell something had changed. When he and Penny snuck down, the penthouse was quiet. But now, it was brought to life with cheerful small talk. Mr. Peabody's famous brand of entertainment always defused the mood, even when your children hate each other to the point of violence.
"More drinks, Pea-buddy!"
Sherman almost gave himself away, trying desperately not to laugh. Pea-buddy?! Oh, if Mr. Peabody didn't kill him, he'd never live that down.
Regaining his composure, he peeked around the corner. "Wait," he thought, "couldn't I rescue Penny on my own and get away without punishment?"
Too late, unfortunately, did these thoughts come, for he had already said, "Mr. Peabody?"
"Yes, Sherman?"
Crap. "Can we talk for a sec?"
"Sure."
Mr. Peabody walked around to meet Sherman out of sight of the Petersons.
"Is there a problem? Where's Penny?"
"That's the thing, see..."
"You didn't."
"She's kinda in ancient Egypt."
"You did! You took the WABAC for a joy ride?! And lost the only person who would be impressed by your little rebellion?!"
"Hey! It's not like I lost her; she ran off by herself."
"Then you shouldn't be worried, should you? You should be in ancient Egypt, looking for her yourself, while I do what I have to. If you want to find her, find her yourself, because frankly I cannot clean up your mess right now! I'm very busy!"
"Hey, where's the drinks?"
"Mr. Peabody, did you say something about Penny?"
Mr. and Mrs. Peterson. Were right. Behind. Them.
"Yeah, where's my daughter?"
Thinking quickly, Mr. Peabody said, "In Sherman's room."
But Sherman answered split-seconds later, "The bathroom."
Mr. Peabody said, "Oh, bathroom, sorry."
While Sherman said, "My room."
"Your lying, aren't you?"
Mr. Peabody knew then that he had no choice.
"So, what did you do to them?"
The mood in the WABCAC was frosty, considering the temperature of where they were headed.
"Ancient technique. Should hold them for ten, twenty minutes. More than enough time to lay down the rules for you, Sherman. I don't think I need to tell you I'm very disappointed in you."
Sherman stayed silent. He knew that, of course, but... it was too hard to explain. Everytime he and Penny were around each other he always felt like he was a pawn. His common sense vanished and taking it's place was unending optimism. Indeed, multiple times his I.Q. seemed to plummet around Penny. He wasn't sure whether this was positive or negative, probably the latter, but it assuredly wasn't natural.
They walked out into the desert, looking for anything other than a dune.
"So what do we look for? It's not like there's buildings or anything as a marker. Nope, just sand, sand, and more sand."
"You'd be surprised."
Mr. Peabody took off in a certain direction, how he got it, Sherman had no idea, cause it was an equal crapshoot whether or not if you were gonna find anything. Or so it seemed, because they were actually within walking distance of Thebes. Sherman followed after his father for a time, to find a white, marble building standing defiantly against the desert.
"Huh. You were right."
"Am I ever wrong, Sherman?"
King Tut was well pleased.
Even before all that had happened, he had awoken to another day of ruling this caliphate. It was, he supposed, good to be king, although having your father to die first usually makes your newfound power bittersweet.
It did not for Him, son of Akhenaten. That wasn't his father's real name, he had changed it to honor, in his delusional mind, the chief sun god, to which there was no equal. Tutenkhamen took his rule as a personal challenge to prove that the apple had fallen a measure away from the tree. Of course, his life of prosperity could not have been within reach if not for Ay. Ay was a valuable counsel, a priceless asset, and a less insane father figure.
While thinking of this, he was disrupted.
"Great job, Penelope. Abandon your ride through time and space and stick yourself here. Really thought this one out...maybe this building has something to help me."
A girl who could have been no older than 15 was wandering in the desert - no, HIS desert. She had the fairest of skin, wheat-blonde hair that flowed effortlessly, and beautiful blue eyes lost in thought.
"What are you doing here, miss?", he asked at the passerby.
Penny turned her head to see a boy, bald but somewhat handsome.
"Excuse me?", she inquired, with a tone that screamed "Who are you and why do you care?" That would not stand against the King.
"Why are you trekking through my desert?"
"Your desert? Who are you?"
"You do not recognize the face of the King?", he asked, puzzled.
"Uh...no?"
The King merely sighed.
"Very well. I am Tuthenkhamen, son of Akhenaten, and ruler of the kingdom. Now, once again, I command you, why are you here?"
Penny's eyes lit up. Tutenkhamen. Tut. She was speaking with King Tut.
"Well...I'm kinda lost. Really, it's a miracle I found this place. I've been walking for a little while now, and the burning sand doesn't feel great, if I'm honest..."
The King stood in thought. "Hm. Lost. I will have to speak with Ay later. Set up some kind of navigation system. Paths that spread throughout the land." However, he did not believe she was lost at all. No, surely such beauty must have been sent by the gods, to be his muse and Queen. For this, he was eternally grateful.
"Well, I believe here is a place to rest on your mission, daughter of Hathor. We can meet your every desire."
Penny didn't know what the "daughter of Hathor" business meant, but figured it was wise to take any port in the proverbial storm.
Sherman cautiously walked up the steps.
Penny caught the glint of glass lenses and the now dusty red hair.
"S-Sherman! What are you doing here?"
"We've come to take you home," Mr. Peabody spoke up.
"Ugh! How do you say 'snitch' in Egyptian?"
"Do you know these two?", asked Tut.
"As if," replied Penny.
"Then what is their business here?"
"I'm afraid she has to come with us," explained Mr. Peabody.
"Whatever for? She's home."
"Who are you again?"
All eyes turned toward the once-quiet Sherman.
"Two in one day. Unbelievable. Tell me, simpleton, who do you think I am?"
"How should I know?"
"Your insolence will not stand much longer," Tut fired back, in what he assumed was a threatening tone.
"Sorry, master," Sherman sniped back.
"Sherman!", Mr. Peabody scolded.
"Hey! Can I get a word in?"
"My apologies, fair lady. You may speak to Seth and his company."
Sherman ignored the quiet jab at his name.
"Look, really thoughtful and all to come back, but how about you wait on me till I'm done? Be an obedient son and wait your turn?"
Sherman flinched at the mention of "obedient son", but said nothing.
"You may speak to her after the ceremony."
"What ceremony?", asked Sherman, visibly confused.
"Me and my boyfriend Tut here are getting married."
"Like hell you are, little Ms. Runaway!", exclaimed Sherman.
"Depart!" Tut reached to grab a dagger with a twisted blade and a jeweled handle. "Or I shall have to use force."
Sherman pounded his fist into the arm, sending the dagger floating through the air. Sherman caught it and slashed it across the air. A thin line of red began to run across the King's chin.
"...Fine. Take her and leave."
Hey! Quick notes here. I did some research about Ancient Egypt here and I hope some of it shows. This chapter is really where canon starts becoming less and less important. I simply could not a way to write the scene where Peabody and Sherman were trapped, so I just cut it altogether. Tut became a one-scene wonder, and Ay is only referenced. If you want, feel free to look up Seth and Hathor to get the context. Also, while your at it, consider leaving a review! It sounds egotistical, but reviews are great motivation.
